Evidence supporting the use of: Vervain
For the health condition: Congestion (lymphatic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vervain (Verbena officinalis and related species) has a longstanding tradition of use in European herbalism, where it has been regarded as a "depurative" or cleansing herb. Historically, practitioners have employed vervain to "purify the blood" and promote the flow of bodily fluids, which is sometimes interpreted in modern herbal contexts as supporting the lymphatic system and alleviating lymphatic congestion. However, these uses are primarily based on traditional knowledge and folk practice rather than robust modern scientific research.
References to vervain as a lymphatic tonic appear in various herbal compendia and ethnobotanical sources, where it is often recommended as part of formulas for sluggish lymph, swollen glands, or as an adjunct during infections. Despite these traditional claims, there are no well-designed clinical trials or substantial preclinical studies directly supporting vervain’s efficacy for lymphatic congestion. Its use for this purpose is extrapolated from its general use as an alterative and mild anti-inflammatory agent. The evidence rating of 2 reflects the presence of consistent traditional use but a lack of scientific validation.
In summary, vervain’s application for lymphatic congestion is rooted in historical herbal practices, not in contemporary scientific research. Anyone considering its use for this purpose should do so with an understanding of these limitations and consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (lymphatic)
basilblack currant
turmeric
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
licorice root
pomegranate
protease
thyme
mugwort
sweet flag
Allium tuberosum
Arisaema
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Bishop's Weed
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Citrus
Cajuput
Echinacea
Fang-Feng
gamma-terpinene
Hedyotis
Isatis
Laggera pterodonta
Limonene
Ligusticum
Paris polyphylla
Pyrrosia
Sesquiterpenes
Thymus
Vervain
Viola
Zedoary
Other health conditions supported by Vervain
AnxietyAnxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Burns and Scalds
Cold Sores
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Ear Infection or Earache
Emotional Sensitivity
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Insomnia
Itching
Laryngitis
Menopause
Nausea and Vomiting
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C